Russell Peter Tracy:
Russell Peter Tracy is an American epidemiological scientist and pathologist at the University of Vermont, renowned for his research on cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
Early Life and Education:
Born in New York, Tracy graduated from LeMoyne College with a degree in biology. After considering joining the Navy, he pursued graduate work in biochemistry at Syracuse University. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Mayo Clinic, he investigated the use of electrophoresis in clinical chemistry.
Career:
Tracy joined the faculty at the Robert Larner College of Medicine (UVM) in 1984. His research focused on the adaptive immune system, coagulation, and inflammation in cardiovascular disease. He developed a technique to measure C-reactive protein and showed its predictive value for heart attack risk. Tracy collaborated with Mary Cushman to study proteins that can predict cardiovascular disease.
Leadership and Contributions:
Tracy served as senior associate dean for research at UVM and led the Clinical Laboratory for Biochemistry Research. He played a key role in the Cardiovascular Lifetime Risk Pooling Project and a study on the cardiovascular risk associated with HIV infection. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, earning him the American Heart Association's Distinguished Scientist award in 2015.
Personal Life and Legacy:
Tracy is married to Paula, a biochemist, and they have two children. They established a summer program at UVM to support college students interested in medical school. Tracy continues to inspire young scientists through his research and teaching.